Planning, transport, and healthy ageing in Asia

High-density built environments in Asian cities and regions such as Hong Kong and Tokyo have significantly influenced the travel behaviours and health outcomes of older adults. Rapid urban development has led to substantial changes in transport systems, often making travel behaviour complex and, at times, overwhelming for older populations. The rapid growth of ageing populations in these cities presents major public health challenges that demand in-depth research and evidence-based solutions. This special issue brings together studies that explore how transport and urban planning and design in Asian cities can promote healthy ageing. These studies aim to enhance scientific understanding of the health impacts of transport infrastructure in the region. We discussed planning and design contexts, the provision and modification of transport infrastructure, public transport usage behaviours, and their broader implications for health outcomes and well-being among older adults. This paper addresses the unique opportunities and challenges, including large-scale transport infrastructure interventions, health impact assessments, causal inference, and planning and policy recommendations, to support sustainable urban development and improve transport planning for the health and well-being of ageing populations in Asia and beyond. • The rapid growth of ageing populations in Asian cities presents significant public health challenges. • High-density built environments shape older adults' travel behaviours and health outcomes in Asia. • Causal evidence is key to supporting transport policymaking for healthy ageing. • New methodologies and natural experiment design advance understanding of transport's impact on ageing and wellbeing. • Large-scale transport infrastructure offers opportunities to promote healthy ageing in Asia.